Cyprus has a tradition of wine-making, dating back nearly 6,000 years to the Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian periods.
Cyprus is also home to the world's oldest named wine still in production: 'Commandaria', which Richard the Lionheart described as the "wine of the kings and the king of the wines."
The island has seven different wine routes, each leading to boutique wineries and the chance to visit traditional wine presses, see the grape harvest, join traditional feasts and enjoy thewines.
Commandaria
This route takes in production of the sweet dessert wine, which dates back to 1192AD when it was being produced and exported by the Knights of St. John.
There is also the chance to take in the medieval castle of Kolossi, once the base of the Knights of St. John, and the Kouris Dam, the biggest in Cyprus.
Diarizos Valley
This route along the Diarizos river passes lush, unspoiled landscapes dotted with vineyards.
This is one of the lesser-known wine-making areas as it is situated at a much lower altitude.
There are 18 different types of vine in this region but the most predominant variety is the local Mavro (red) grape.
Krasochoria of Lemesos (Limassol)
The 'Krasochoria' (translated as 'wine villages' in English), is located on the Southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range and has the greatest concentration of wineries in Cyprus.
There are 20 wine villages in total with traditional Cypriot architecture, narrow cobblestoned passageways and 16 wineries.
This region enjoys a dry climate which makes for first-rate wines, with the main varieties produced here from the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red), as well as around 23 imported varieties.
Laona to Akamas
This wine route is situated on the north-western shores of Cyprus and are home to the full-bodied, indigenous Xynisteri (white) grape variety, which is said to grow well thanks to the temperate climate and sea breeze.
The wines produced here are among the best white wines on the island as well as some of the best reds, which come from the rare Maratheftiko grape.
Mountainous Larnaka (Larnaca) to Lefkosia (Nicosia)
This route passes through three wineries and 10 villages as well as a selection of museums and workshops.
There are a wide range of grapes growing here including the white varieties of Assyrtiko, Malvasia Aromatica, Chardonnay Xynisteri and Sauvignon Blanc, and the red varieties of Maratheftiko, Cabernet and Merlot.
Pitsilia
These villages are dotted along these mountain peaks of Madari, Machairas and Papoutsa.
The high altitude contributes to the high-quality grapes which mature more slowly and the arid, sloping ground forces the vines to huddle together for a much richer wine.
Pisilia, one of the 11 villages along this route, is a winner of the Nom d'Origine.
Vouni Panagias to Ambelitis
At 2,400 feet above sea level, this area produces delicate white wines which taste of peaches, green apples and apricots.
The 10 wineries in this route produce 27 varieties of grape, mainly the local Xynisteri (white) grape as well as the Maratheftiko and Mavro (red) grapes, Carignan Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Limassol Wine Festival
The Limassol Wine Festival takes place in the Lemesos (Limassol) Municipal Gardens during August and September each year.
Each evening, about 15,000 visitors come to join the Dionysiac celebrations and sample the local wine and Cypriot dishes as well as enjoying singing, dancing, poetry and drama.